Walk to school classroom packs for primary schools

PRIMARY SCHOOLS in Tameside can access classroom packs for a five-day walking challenge to encourage pupils to travel sustainably by walking to school giving them the best start in life.

In celebration of National Children’s Day UK on 15 May and Walk to School Week on 16-20 May, Tameside Council wants primary schools to get involved and encourage pupils and their families to travel sustainably to school through a video-game inspired theme, #PowerUp, which includes missions to complete and levels to unlock as they walk to school.

National Children’s Day UK is all about the importance of a healthy childhood – a great example of this is walking to school, and how we need to protect the rights and freedoms of children in order to ensure that they can grow into happy, healthy adults.

The fun and engaging week-long activity for primary schools has been built to make pupils experience first-hand, the importance of walking to school.

Through this challenge, children will be well on their way to reaching their recommended 60 minutes minimum of physical activity per day before even reaching the school gates - ensuring that they can grow into happy, healthy adults.

Schools can purchase classroom packs and access resources to encourage collective participation at www.livingstreets.org.uk/products-and-services/projects/walk-to-school-week.

Director of Education for Tameside Council, Tim Bowman said: “I hope lots of local schools get involved in this fun walking activity as walking to school is good for both our children’s physical and mental health.  It will help them get ready to start the day better, be more alert and ready to learn.

“Walking is simple, free and one of the easiest ways to get more physically active, lose weight and become healthier. 

“If we can reduce our car journeys and swap to active travel like walking, we start good habits that benefit our health and our environment.”